Project Overview
Waking Up is a short narrative film directed by Yuta Okamura during his early filmmaking years in Los Angeles. The film explores the fragile space between inner emotion and outward action, focusing on characters at a turning point where they must confront what has been left unspoken.

Production Approach
Directed with a strong focus on actors and emotional progression, the film reflects Okamura’s foundation in performance-based filmmaking. The original music was composed by BAFTA-winning composer Gareth Coker, with a featured performance by Grammy-nominated cellist Tina Guo, whose credits include Dune, Top Gun: Maverick, and Inception.

Result
Waking Up is recognized for its performance-driven storytelling and emotional sensitivity. The film won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor at Asians on Film, as well as Best Picture at TSS, establishing Okamura’s early voice as a director of intimate, actor-centered cinema.